Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2014/06/09/product_round_up_ten_televisions_to_watch_the_world_cup_on/
GAME ON: Top 10 tellies for a World Cup kicking
Staying in for the footie
Posted in Personal Tech, 9th June 2014 10:16 GMT
Product round-up Rich on spectacle and pulsating with atmosphere, you can’t beat watching huge sporting events on a shiny new TV. But which set should prospective buyers splash the cash on? While events like the World Cup and Wimbledon provide a rock solid excuse to upgrade the gogglebox, the variety of screens and technologies available is immense.
To sort the champs from the chumps, we’ve assembled a 10 strong team of leading-edge Ultra HD models and next generation smarties, one of which could well be your next TV…
LG 55UB950V 4K UHD TV
This UHD 4K screen is a formidable proposition, combining 2160p UHD resolution with LG’s Smart+ WebOS platform. We’ll be taking a closer look at WebOS in a separate article soon, not least because it fundamentally redefines what a net connected TV can be like. Unlike previous screens, which appear to have had smartness thrust upon them, WebOS is integrated throughout. The differences are sometimes subtle, but the user experience is immeasurably better.
While Full HD image upscaling isn’t on a par with its principal rivals, and black levels are a little grey, this big set does deliver colour-rich pixel dense pictures with good motion handling. Unfortunately, during our audition the set didn’t have Netflix 4K live, however that should be resolved by the time you read this. If the set does have an Achilles’ heel, it’s with the Passive 3D, which is inexplicably bad.
More info LG
LG 55EA980W OLED TV
Super-thin, super efficient OLED was once hailed as the future of next generation TV, promising unparalleled image quality with an eco-friendly footprint, but the tech has proved ferociously difficult to manufacture. Only LG continues to plow investment into these displays. But its efforts appear to be coming good, as this curved ultra-thinscreen offers a startling viewing experience, with insanely deep black levels and hallucinogenic colour vibrancy.
It’s also ideal for sports, with a native panel speed uniquely able to keep pace with a Nadal smash. Although only Full HD, the image on this 55-inch panel doesn’t suffer overly much in comparison to 4K rivals. It’s net connected, but lacks LG’s snazzy 2014 WebOS platform.
More info LG
Optoma HD30 DLP 1080p projector
OK, so we know this isn’t a TV, but if you want to put on a show then super-sizing the World Cup to over 100 inches is no bad thing, particularly when it looks as good as the pictures cast by this single chip DLP projector. HD images enjoy clinical sharpness and punchy contrast, while TI’s proprietary Brilliant Color system improves saturation and looks particularly good with exterior scenes.
Brightness is rated at a moderate 1600 ANSI lumens, but this shouldn’t be an issue given the time of many of the fixtures. Even better, the projector seems pretty much immune to DLP rainbow fringing. Operational noise is a low 26dB in Eco lamp mode. The HD30 is the perfect accompaniment to any accommodating white wall.
More info Optoma
Panasonic TX-50AS500
If you’re looking for a large screen that won’t break the bank, then Panasonic’s new AS500 line could prove extremely tempting. This 50-inch model is net connected, offers tricks like screen mirroring and looks the business. The narrow black bezel is extremely unobtrusive, emphasising the championship sharpness of its imagery.
It’s worth noting though that this entry-level set uses the brand’s 2013 Smart platform and lacks Freetime catch-up. If those features appeal, you’ll need to step up to the Dual Core AS600. It’s a solid value buy though.
More info Panasonic
Panasonic TX-50AX800/802 4K UHD TV
There’s no reason to miss any fixtures this summer, as Panasonic debuts the first 4K TV with Freetime roll-back EPG. Previously seen only on select Freesat receivers, Freetime has been retooled to work with both Freesat and Freeview services, so now you can simply scroll back using the TV guide to find catch-up shows from the BBC, ITV, C4 and C5.
THX certified 4K image presentation is excellent, although go easy on the frame interpolation settings. While the AX800 has an integrated HEVC decoder, the set doesn’t support Netflix 4K. Apparently it uses the wrong flavour of chips. Still, a handsome UHD screen that’s extremely easy to live with.
More info Panasonic
Philips 55PFS6609 Ambilight
There’s one compelling reason to buy a Philips TV, and it’s not the inscrutable picture settings. Ambilight, the brand’s proprietary mood lighting system, remains a total joy to own, so much so that most buyers will be prepared to forgive net connected shortcomings and occasional steampunk clunkiness.
As it happens, this 6 Series set delivers an entirely acceptable Full HD image once you’ve tweaked the settings, and you can now sync Philips Hue lights with the two-sided Ambilight system used here for room wide lighting effects. The ability to colour match Ambilight to on-screen content also means you’ll be able to bath your room in perennial green throughout the summer, which apparently is quite on trend.
More info Philips
Samsung UE40H6400
Samsung dominates TV sales thanks to models like this 40-inch 6-Series. With a tried-and-tested design that combines the brand’s characteristic translucent bezel edging with a crowd-pleasing chromed X pedestal stand, plus a packed feature roster and bold vibrant images make it universally popular.
Motion resolution is fine, despite the uninspiring CMR400 Motion Plus rating. Stick the TV on Motion Plus Clear and you’ll get crisp fast moving images with nary any nasties. On the debit side, the audio isn’t particularly raucous and the 3D is shonky, but that’s not really a worry, with no 3D sport threatened that we’re aware of.
More info Samsung
Samsung UE65HU8500 Curved 4K UHD TV
If you literally want to be immersed in the beautiful game, then Samsung’s curved 4K UHD TV demands to be shortlisted. If you sit close enough (4K lets you do that) there is indeed a somewhat dizzying sense of immersion from the wraparound screen. From a normal viewing position though you’ll mainly just be aware of a slight wok to the image, unless you’re sitting bang on.
Image fidelity is wonderful. Samsung has managed to deliver high levels of contrast and colour vibrancy. Throw in a compelling suite of connected services, including Netflix 4K, and you have a great connected proposition. The TV also has improved voice and gesture control, but they remain gimmickry rather than essential. We toot our vuvuzela contemptuously at the set’s Soccer mode though, which delivers a ghastly image, much like an angry Dynamic shop mode. An interesting set, albeit something of an acquired taste.
More info Samsung
Sony KDL-50W829
Not the flagship Full HD TV in Sony’s 2014 lineup (that honour goes to the KDL-55W955), but arguably the best in terms of value, the W8 combines slick design with stupidly good Full HD image quality. Deep lustrous black level performance, fruity Triluminos colour fidelity and shed loads of fine detail are all characteristic of the panel. Whatever your favourite team colours, you can be sure they’ll look at their best on this model.
Motion picture resolution is also first class, keeping fast moving action sharp without introducing artefacts. Changes to Sony’s Smart UI this year have seen an introduction of the One-Flick Discovery thumbnail search bar, which is good, and the Social View Twitter torrent, which is not. You can also Skype party with your mates during the game thanks to a dual picture outside picture function.
More info Sony
Sony KD-65X9005B 4K UHD TV
If you really must have it all, then Sony’s second gen X9 4K screen ticks all the boxes. From design to performance, this 65-incher could blow the doors off the Maracanã stadium. The unusual wedge design isn’t just a design affectation, it allows for bigger bass drivers. Indeed the quality of its forward-facing audio is positively hi-fi.
Naturally this big X9 has got all the usual Smart connected services, and with a nod to Sony’s FIFA sponsorship there’s a dedicated football mode which fine-tunes audio and offers shortcuts to YouTube content. Image quality is largely sensational. Native UHD, via Netflix 4K, looks spectacularly good, with monumental detail and three dimensional texture. Importantly, upscaled Full HD is photographically slick too. Motion handling, key to allsport, is accomplished with no overt artefacts. All things considered, a stunner. ®
More info Sony